Lithium

CRU’s coverage of lithium and other battery materials spans the full supply chain. From raw materials production, refining to battery chemicals and further downstream to precursor, cathode and battery producers, we provide a comprehensive view together with coverage of the key sectors involved in the broader energy transition.

Our deep understanding of supply, demand, price and cost dynamics offered through our Lithium Market Outlook service, with in-depth understanding of battery technologies, supply agreements as well as industrial and demand applications provides unique insights into how the lithium industry and battery supply chains, are rapidly evolving. In-house price assessments and 5-year forecasts of market fundamentals provide a detailed view alongside analysis of the critical trends and risks that all stakeholders should consider.

With electric vehicle sales accelerating demand for Li-ion batteries, the pressure is on for businesses across the value chain to meet demand efficiently, reliably, and profitably. At CRU, we have more than 40 years of experience in these markets – including detailed coverage of lithium, cobalt, nickel and manganese, and a growing expertise in high purity alumina (HPA) and graphite.

Delivering data and analysis to understand pricing and predict shifts in supply and demand, we help clients develop robust strategies to achieve growth in this exciting sector. The breadth of our coverage brings context to battery materials markets and a pin-sharp perspective of how markets interact and fit together. In line with this, we offer services such as the Specialty Phosphate Service which provides insight into the growth of the Lithium Iron Phosphate sector.

Our Sustainability and Emissions Service combines CRU’s deep knowledge of global raw material markets with expertise in strategies and implications for decarbonisation.

Fluent in the initiatives that are driving the energy transition, including knowledge of electrification technologies and processes from the team at Exawatt, we provide a specialised Energy Storage Technology and Cost Service giving a comprehensive view of the stationary energy storage supply chain as well as a Solar Technology and Cost Service, supplying insights into the solar supply chain.

Backed by robust methodologies, our long-standing expertise across the mining, metals and fertilizer commodities markets brings valuable context and clarity. Whilst unrivalled hands-on experience in China puts inside knowledge and understanding at our clients’ fingertips. CRU’s analysts are at the heart of our services, so engage with us to discuss industry developments in more depth.

Lithium Asset service

Providing granular insight into production costs and market trends specific to pegmatite assets, CRU’s Lithium Asset Service gives a comprehensive view of Lithium production. Understand and compare cost dynamics and product quality of assets, identify areas for cost optimisation and assess the viability of potential investments, to better inform strategic decision-making.

Market participants throughout the entire value chain can benefit from the visibility we bring to these industry dynamics.

• Lithium producers: Enhance strategic planning by benchmarking operations against industry peers. Identify areas for cost optimisation to maintain a competitive position in the market.
• Investment and finance: Inform financing decisions with data-driven insight to assess the viability of potential investments. Clarify cost structures and revenue potential.
• Concentrate buyers for refineries: Optimise procurement decisions by understanding the cost dynamics and product quality of Lithium assets. Negotiate competitive terms and navigate market volatility effectively.
• Trading and commerce: Manage and reduce risks, spot profitable and high-quality assets, and explore new trading opportunities. Detailed asset performance data provides a comprehensive view of Lithium production.
• Research and analysis: Gain an in-depth view of the industry cost structure through our standardised data and extensive coverage, to inform your research and analysis.

Lithium Market Outlook

Support near to mid-term decision-making with the most robust and granular view of lithium markets, based on specialist knowledge from mining and battery experts, and tried and tested methodologies.

• Comprehensive market intelligence: Analysis of market fundamentals for lithium, including supply, demand and pricing dynamics.
• Navigate technology shifts: Predict and plan for changes in consumption of lithium concentrate and chemicals, using our expertise in electrochemical energy storage. Identify emerging sources of demand by region, company and battery technology by getting insight into the dynamic cathode chemistry landscape as well as intensity-of-use of lithium.
• Supply chain visibility: Manage your supply chain with a granular view from brines to mines and chemical refiners, together with CRU's risk-assessed project pipeline. Negotiate supply contracts informed by data for supply agreements and trade flows. Insight into mid-stream demand gives you a reliable view of lithium consumption and an understanding of price dynamics.
• Strategic decision support: Optimise investment strategies and inform your scenario analysis with access to our analysts.

CRU’s global team of analysts is at the heart of the service we provide. For unique market perspective, engage directly with us to discuss industry developments in more depth.